Iowa Governor Proposes Major Changes to Special Education and Health Care

Reynolds' proposals draw concerns about potential disparities in care and increased privatization of education services.

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has proposed significant changes to special education and health care in her annual Condition of the State address.
Reynolds suggested that schools should have the option to decide whether their special education funding goes to regional agencies or other providers.
The governor also identified mental health and substance use as legislative priorities, proposing to invest $20 million of Iowa’s settlement award money from opioid-related lawsuits into these areas.
Reynolds requested the extension of postpartum Medicaid coverage for mothers earning less than $42,000 a year, from 60 days to 12 months.
The proposed changes have drawn concerns about potential disparities in care, particularly for rural communities, and the potential for increased privatization of education services.